Cape May County 4-H Salutes Volunteers During National Volunteer Week

COURT HOUSE — National Volunteer Week, April 10-16, 2016, shines a light on how invaluable volunteers are to the 4-H Youth Development Program. Of the more than 2,500 adult volunteers involved in the New Jersey 4-H Program, approximately 180 volunteers have served as club leaders, project leaders, resource leaders, 4-H Fair workers, judges and buildings and grounds helpers in the Cape May County 4-H Program over the past year.
“Volunteers are the backbone of the Cape May County 4-H program. They provide the guidance and support that helps 4-H boys and girls in grades K-13 (one year out of high school) develop confidence and valuable life skills,” said, Linda Horner, Cape May County 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator. Volunteers spend numerous hours working on tasks, such as assisting with 4-H events; organizing club activities; serving as camp counselors; conducting workshops and events; helping children with 4-H projects; leading a community service project and staffing the 4-H Fair.
“Volunteers are involved in every aspect of the Cape May County 4-H Program,” added Horner. “Last year alone our volunteers contributed approximately 4,800 hours to our 4-H programs, we wouldn’t exist without our volunteers. I am so grateful for their service and dedication.
Volunteer Marcie Hughes, of Del Haven, has been club leader of the Milkyways 4-H Livestock Project Club for seven years, but her love for 4-H goes back more than 40 years. As a young girl, Marcie moved to Cape May County from Camden County and joined a 4-H Club to make friends and learn more about the county, however, 4-H gave her so much more. Today, Marcie teaches the values that she learned, so many years ago, to a new generation as a 4-H Club Leader. “The confidence, public speaking skills and knowledge that I gained through my years as a 4-H member are what I try to pass on to the members of my Milkyways Club.” Hughes added, “ I look forward each week to seeing the nine children in my group. They have grown so much by being part of the Cape May County 4-H program, and I get so much joy just seeing them care for their animals and sharing their experiences with each other.”
The work of 4-H volunteers is continuous. Everyday a volunteer is lending a helping hand to provide learning opportunities for the 4-H members involved in Cape May County. Volunteers are always needed and welcome. If you would like more information on how you can become involved in the Cape May County 4-H Youth Development Program, please call 609-465-5115, ext. 605.
4-H volunteers across New Jersey are instrumental in carrying out the mission of the 4-H Youth Development Program of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, a unit of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. The 4-H program offers educational programs to all youth grades K-13 on an age appropriate basis without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, sexual orientation or disability.